M87, NGC 4486

A giant elliptical galaxy (E0) in the Virgo Cluster, M87 is a strong radio source, known as 3C274 or Virgo A. This image was taken at the KPNO 0.9-meter telescope in December 1996, and shows the inner regions of the galaxy, including the well-known jet. The full extent of the galaxy can be better appreciated in this composite mosaiced image of part of the Virgo cluster, or in this deep black and white image from the KPNO Mayall 4-m telescope. The Virgo cluster also includes Messier galaxies M49, M58, M59, M60, M61, M84, M85, M86, M88, M89, M90, M91, M98, M99, and M100.